Overview
When planning a trip to Tokyo, one question comes up again and again: Narita vs Haneda — which airport should you choose in 2026?
Both airports serve the Tokyo metropolitan area, but they offer very different arrival experiences. Distance to the city, transportation speed, costs, flight availability, and overall convenience can vary significantly depending on which airport you land at.
This 2026 comparison guide breaks down Narita Airport vs Haneda Airport across travel time, access, costs, comfort, and real-world traveler use cases—so you can confidently choose the airport that best fits your itinerary and travel style.
This guide is especially helpful for first-time visitors deciding between Narita or Haneda for a Tokyo stay in 2026.
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Airport Comparison: Narita vs Haneda (2026)
| Factor | Narita Airport (NRT) | Haneda Airport (HND) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance to central Tokyo | about 60 km | about 20 km | Haneda |
| Typical travel time | approx. 60–90 min | approx. 20–40 min | Haneda |
| Transport options | N’EX, Skyliner, buses, taxi | Monorail, Keikyu, JR, taxi | Haneda |
| Typical cost to city | approx. ¥2,500–¥3,500 | approx. ¥300–¥1,000 | Haneda |
| Flight network | Strong long-haul & LCC | Strong domestic & intl. | Tie |
| Overall convenience | Good | Excellent | Haneda (Best for most travelers) |
Location & Access Differences
Narita Airport (NRT) is located in Chiba Prefecture, roughly 60 km east of central Tokyo. It has long been Japan’s main international gateway, especially for long-haul and low-cost carriers.
Haneda Airport (HND) sits only about 20 km from central Tokyo. With fast rail access to Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station, it offers a much smoother arrival experience for most travelers.
If fast, cheap, and simple access to Tokyo is your priority, Haneda clearly wins.
Transportation Options Compared
From Narita Airport
- Narita Express (N’EX) – Reserved seats, direct to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya
- Keisei Skyliner – Fastest to Ueno/Nippori
- Airport Limousine Bus – Direct hotel access
- Taxi – Convenient but costly (approx. ¥20,000–¥30,000)
From Haneda Airport
- Tokyo Monorail – approx. 13–20 min to Hamamatsucho
- Keikyu Line – Direct to Shinagawa & JR connections
- Taxi – Reasonable for late arrivals (approx. ¥7,000–¥9,000)
For both speed and cost, Haneda is significantly better.
Flight Availability: Which Airport Has Better Options?
- Choose Narita if:
- You’re flying long-haul (Europe, North America)
- You’re using low-cost carriers
- Choose Haneda if:
- You want smoother arrivals
- You’re connecting to domestic flights
- You prefer daytime arrivals and quick city access
In 2026, the gap has narrowed—but Narita still leads in long-haul variety.
Using the Japan Rail Pass from the Airport
Both airports work well with the JR Pass:
- Narita: Narita Express is fully covered
- Haneda: Keikyu → Shinagawa → JR nationwide network
For travelers starting long-distance rail travel immediately, Haneda is usually easier.
Airport Facilities & Comfort
Narita Highlights
- Large duty-free zones
- Observation decks
- Capsule hotels for long layovers
Haneda Highlights
- Newer terminals
- Excellent lounges
- 24-hour operations
- Faster late-night transport
Both airports are clean, efficient, and traveler-friendly—but Haneda feels more modern and compact.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
Choose Haneda if:
- Tokyo is your main destination
- You’re on a short trip or business visit
- You want minimal transport time and cost
Choose Narita if:
- You’re flying long-haul or on a budget airline
- You don’t mind a longer ride into the city
- Your flight options are limited to Narita
Final Verdict (2026)
For most travelers staying in Tokyo, Haneda Airport is the better choice thanks to its unbeatable location, faster transport, and lower costs.
That said, Narita remains essential for long-haul routes and low-cost carriers. Both airports are excellent—your best choice simply depends on your route, budget, and travel style.
